TUMWATER — David Dallaire became the first Tenino golfer to qualify for the state tournament, finishing second at the 1A Evergreen Championship in Tumwater on Tuesday.
Working through unfavorable conditions for a second consecutive day, Dallaire was able to stay composed and in control, finishing with a 78 just a day after shooting a 72.
His total of 150 put him in second place overall, firmly among the top nine heading to the state tournament.
“I’m pretty excited I get to go to state. I worked hard. I had a good coach to teach me how to be able to play golf,” Dallaire said. “I’m glad I get to represent Tenino out there.”
Dallaire has been on the Tenino golf team since its inception three years ago. His coach, Del Sandberg, said that Dalliare earned his spot at the state tournament by putting in the work over the last three years.
“He’s got a really good work ethic,” Sandberg said. “He put the time in, and now it’s paying off. I’m really proud of him.”
Dallaire finished four strokes behind Seton Cathlic’s Jacob Parker, who shot a 146 across both days to claim the district title.
Dallaire joked that the gap was a bit of a recurring theme for him. Last season, he missed out on a state berth by about four strokes, while during his sophomore season, he missed the cut at districts by around the same amount.
While Dallaire was the only Tenino golfer to make the cut, there were a few close calls on Monday. In a field where the top 21 golfers advanced, four Beavers finished in the first five spots outside of the top 21, including each of the first three out.
On Day 1, Ethan Baxter finished 22nd with a 98, one stroke back of Elma’s Luke Schneider, who was the last one in. Jaxson Gore finished right behind Baxter with a 99, and Carson Hart was only one stroke back of Gore with a 100.
Two spots behind Hart, Preston Snider shot a 102. Gavin Burke rounded out the group with a 122.
The 1A tournament will take place at the Riverside Golf Club in Chehalis from May 21-22.
